For executors: managing a gift in a will

Contact the Legacy Administration team

The Legacy Administration team is based at our head office. Please send all communications about gifts in wills to us, even if the will names a different National Trust address or if the gift is restricted for a particular property or area of our work.

Email: legacyadmin@nationaltrust.org.uk

Call: 01793 817469

Write to:

Legacy Administration team
National Trust 
Heelis 
Kemble Drive 
Swindon 
SN2 2NA   

We're here to help

Our dedicated Legacy Administration team can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have in your role as executor.  While we can’t offer legal advice, we’re always happy to help.

Please let us know early during the estate administration period if the National Trust are named in a will.

Letting us know as soon as possible helps us to update our records and offer guidance if specific issues arise.

Information we'll ask for 

As a registered charity, when we receive a gift in a will there is certain information we require. We will ask you to provide us with:

• The full name of the person who has remembered us in their will
• Their date of death
• Their last known address
• A copy of the will (if possible)
• A copy of a Grant of Probate, once obtained

In some cases, we may need to ask for additional information. Please be assured that any requests we make are to ensure we meet our legal and regulatory obligations as a registered charity.

Gifts including property

If the gift includes a property, or a share in a property, we will usually want to see valuations for the property and may need to discuss specific matters about the property with you.

As mentioned above, whilst we can't provide legal advice, we do have a team of legacy administration experts on hand if you have any property questions or encounter any difficulties. We will always do our best to help.

Gifts of specific items

We have a process to review gifts of specific items left to us in a will. Initially, we will ask for photographs of the items, an estimated value, and details of whether the items have any historical connection to any of the places we care for. 

Gifts of Residuary Estates

If someone has left us a share of their Residuary Estate, we will ask for further information about the assets and liabilities of the estate at the start of the administration. Once the administration is complete, we will also need to review full estate accounts. Please contact us so we can discuss this with you in more detail and provide any assistance where required.

Restricted gifts

If the gift is intended to be used for a specific place or purpose, we will ask to see wording of the wish, either in the will, codicil, or an accompanying letter of wishes, so we can make sure we use the gift as intended. 

How to pay a legacy to the National Trust

Bank transfer

Our preferred method of payment is by bank transfer. Our bank details are: 

Bank: Barclays Bank 
Name: National Trust 
Account number: 60679631 
Sort Code: 20 06 05 

Before making a payment, please get in touch with our team. To record and acknowledge gifts we must have the full details of the deceased before payment is made. 

When making a payment, please use the reference LEG/[surname of person who has left a gift in their will]. 

If you have already been in touch with us, you can also include the reference number we’ve given you. 

Cheque

If you prefer to pay by cheque, please make it payable to ‘National Trust’ and send it to the Legacy Administration team to the address shown above, with a covering letter stating the full name of the deceased and, if not already provided, a copy of the will. Please also provide us with your contact details, so we can confirm safe receipt.

Other currencies

We’re unable to accept cheques in currencies other than GBP. If payment needs to be made in another currency, please contact the Legacy Administration team to discuss the options available.

Tax guidance

Generally, charities like the National Trust are exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT), and also benefit from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Income Tax exemptions. Tax rules can be complex, and we recommend you seek professional advice to ensure the estate does not incur unnecessary taxes. Our Legacy Administration team are happy to explain how these exemptions may apply to a gift to the National Trust.

More resources

• Cruse Bereavement Care – offers face-to-face, telephone, email, and website bereavement support across England, Wales and Northern Ireland: www.cruse.org.uk
• The Institute for Legacy Management – provides free resources for people who have been asked to assist in the administration of a charitable estate: Guidance for Executors | Institute Of Legacy Management
• GOV.UK – offers information and guidance on dealing with an estate: Dealing with the estate of someone who's died: Overview - GOV.UK